Receiving a decision that isn't a "yes" or a "no" can be confusing and frustrating. Whether you were deferred from an early application pool to the regular pool, or waitlisted after the regular round, the feeling of uncertainty is tough.
However, a waitlist or deferral is not a rejection. It's an opportunity to reaffirm your interest and provide new information. Here's a step-by-step guide on what to do next.
Step 1: Accept Your Spot on the Waitlist
This is the first and most critical step. Most colleges require you to formally opt-in to remain on the waitlist. If you don't do this by their deadline, you will be removed from consideration. Read the instructions in your decision letter carefully.
Step 2: Fall in Love with Another College
This is equally critical. You must secure a spot at a college you've been accepted to by the May 1 decision deadline. This means submitting your deposit. Waitlist acceptance rates are notoriously unpredictable and often very low. You cannot count on getting off the waitlist, so you must have a solid backup plan.
Step 3: Write a Letter of Continued Interest (LOCI)
This is your main tool for improving your chances. A LOCI is a concise, professional letter or email to the admissions office.
- Reiterate Your Interest: Start by clearly stating that the college remains your first choice (if it's true). Be enthusiastic and specific.
- Provide Meaningful Updates: This is the most important part. What have you accomplished since you first applied?
- Academic Updates: Mention your strong first-semester senior year grades or any new academic awards.
- Extracurricular Updates: Have you taken on a new leadership role or won a significant competition? Briefly describe it. For ideas on what's impactful, review our extracurriculars guide.
- New Information: Have you won a new award or completed a significant project? This is the place to mention it.
- Keep it Concise: Your LOCI should be no more than one page (around 300-400 words). Admissions officers are very busy.
- Check for Instructions: Some colleges have specific instructions about what to send (or what not to send). Always follow their rules. If they say not to send extra letters, don't.
What Not to Do
- Don't be a pest. Sending one great LOCI is effective. Bombarding the admissions office with daily emails is not.
- Don't send gimmicky packages or gifts.
- Don't have your parents call on your behalf. You are the applicant; you need to be the one advocating for yourself.
- Don't be demanding or negative. Maintain a positive and respectful tone.
Being waitlisted is a waiting game. By taking these proactive steps, you ensure that you've done everything in your power to turn that maybe into a yes, while also being prepared and excited for the other great options you have.